Abstract: A process for transporting a data cell throughout a switch fabric having a centralized switching structure and a set of distributed, generally remotely located, Switch Core Access Layers (SCAL) permitting the attachment of the protocol adapters. Remotely with respect to the centralized switching structure, the data cell which is received from a telecommunications link is divided into k logical units (LUs) and additional bytes are introduced for permitting the reservation of a bitmap field that will be used for routing through the switch core. Every LU is coded in accordance with the 8B/10B coding process. Within the centralized switching structure, the k coded LUs are deserialized and the cell clock is obtained for each cell in order to reconstitute the data cell. In addition the routing byte reservations are filled with appropriate values (bit map) for the routing process within the switch by means of an access to an entry routing table.

Abstract: To increase the effective capacity of BIOS, an initial portion of the power on system reset (POST) code that is required to enable the system memory is stored in ROM in uncompressed form, and substantially the remaining portion of the BIOS code is stored in compressed form. Upon system initialization during a cold boot, the uncompressed portion of POST is executed from the ROM to enable the system memory, and then an image of the BIOS code is written to shadow memory. As BIOS code is needed during the remainder of the boot, the code is selectively decompressed from the shadow memory to another region of the system memory to which control is transferred. Variations based upon different boot scenarios are described.

Abstract: A method and system for providing a progress indicator for an application in a computer system is disclosed. The method and system includes issuing a task request to the application, and graphically indicating a current status of the task request by a progress indicator when the application is iconified. The preferred embodiment of the present invention uses a graphical extension of the icon representing the iconified application. In this manner, the user is informed of the current status of a task request issued to the application without the need to maximize the application. This saves both time and valuable system resources.

Abstract: A video source provides information to a communication device that results in an icon being displayed on the communications device during a preview of a television program or segment of a television program. The icon indicates to the user that a single button on a remote control or other user-controller device can be used to program the communication device, including television, video-cassette recorders, cable boxes, network computers, or the like, to display or record the desired program or program segment as the program segment is being televised or communicated. Specifically, during operation, the exact date, time, and source of the actual television program or program segment is encoded in an unused portion of a teletext data stream when the icon is present. If the communication device receives an appropriate command from its user-controlled device while the icon is displayed, a central processing unit within that communication device, saves the information together with a channel presently being viewed.

Abstract: In a removable power supply unit for a computer, a power source switching FET provided in a protective circuit of a main battery and a second battery is enabled in response to a signal from the computer to switch power paths from each of the main battery and the second battery to a DC-DC converter of the computer, thereby reducing the number of such power source switching FETs provided in an internal circuit of the computer.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a power supply system, in particular, to a power supply apparatus and a power supply method that each use a high impedance battery used for electric equipment such as a notebook PC (notebook type personal computer). Usually, electric power is supplied from a lithium polymer battery to a main body, and insufficient electric power is supplied from a main battery such as a lithium ion battery when a current over a certain amount is necessary. That is, there are included a lithium ion battery to supply electric power, a lithium polymer battery to output electric power in voltage higher than that of this lithium ion battery, and a current limiting circuit to supply electric power by this lithium polymer battery until load power reaches a predetermined amount and to limit an output from the lithium polymer battery when the load power exceeds the predetermined amount, in which electric power is supplied by the lithium ion battery and lithium polymer battery after current limitation.

Abstract: A data processing system and method are described for permitting a server computer system to remotely initiate a boot block recovery from a failure of a client computer system to successfully complete execution of POST. The client computer system is coupled to a server computer system utilizing a network. The client computer system fails to successfully complete executing POST. Thereafter, the server computer system transmits a recovery POST code to the client computer system utilizing the network. The client computer system executes POST utilizing the recovery POST code, wherein the client computer system is capable of successfully completing execution of POST utilizing the recovery POST code received remotely from the server computer system.

Abstract: A portfolio computer notebook has outer hardback covers with a flexible spine. A portfolio computer is mounted to the inner surface of one of the covers, and a paper notepad is mounted to the inner surface of the other cover. Each hardback cover has a fold line that bisects it into two panels. The fold lines allow the “footprint” of the open portfolio to be reduced by approximately half of the area required by conventional portfolios without having to bend the cover back over on itself. The footprint is reducible regardless of which component the user wishes to utilize. For example, to use the computer, the user creases the hardback cover of the computer at its fold line such that half of the cover rotates and the other half of the cover stays parallel to the notepad. The computer remains mounted to the parallel half. As the computer and parallel half of the cover are moved over the top of the notepad, the two halves of the computer cover form a z-like configuration with the notepad cover.

Abstract: Described is a computer system which can be pre-set over a network to boot to a first or second remote boot protocol prior to being powered on over the network. The system is coupled to a remote computer via a data communication link. The system includes a communication subsystem for communicating data with the computer system. The communication subsystem is supplied with auxiliary power and is operative to communicate with the computer system regardless of whether the computer system is in a normal operating state. The remote computer includes a program for sending a first packet to the computer system via the communication link. The first packet contains a boot parameter which is indicative of the first or second remote boot protocol. The computer system is operative to receive the first packet via the communication subsystem and store the boot parameter in a memory thereof without powering on.

Abstract: Disclosed is a personal computer system which includes a central processing unit (CPU) coupled to a direct access storage device (DASD), a random access memory (RAM), and a LAN controller. A flash memory module is coupled to the CPU and an input/output (IO) bus and includes a basic input output system (BIOS) stored therein. The BIOS is effective for responding to the energization of the computer system by initiating a power on self test (POST). The BIOS is further operative on completion of the POST for transferring a portion of BIOS from the module to the RAM and for transferring control of the of the computer system to the BIOS portion. The portion of BIOS is operative to load a protected mode operating system (OS) into RAM and transfer control to the OS. The system further includes a logic circuit coupled to the flash memory module and the IO bus.

Abstract: A low profile, miniature notebook computer has a base portion, a monitor portion and a display monitor which is pivotally mounted to the monitor portion. The base portion and the monitor portion are movable relative to one another between retracted and deployed positions. The computer also has a keyboard with keys which are divided between the base and monitor portions. As the monitor portion is deployed, it shifts to the left and forward relative to the stationary base portion. The monitor portion may be manually or automatically shifted between positions. The computer also has a base plate with a stationary support foot which is flush with the rear edge of the main body of the machine when it is in the retracted position, but which extends beyond the rear edge of the main body of the machine when it is in the deployed position.

Abstract: A method of monitoring a networked computer system by detecting a change to a configuration of the computer system, using detection logic of the computer, and generating an alert associated with any change in the configuration in real time. The alert is transmitted to a remote server on the network. In an illustrative implementation, the detection logic can detect (i) a change in the number of storage devices present in the computer system, (ii) a change in the number of memory modules present in the computer system, and (iii) a change in the number of processors present in the computer system. The configuration information may be saved between boot operations of the computer using a battery-powered latch.

Abstract: A touch panel section, which is formed by affixing transparent resistive film sheets onto both of front and back surfaces of a transparent glass plate respectively, is rotatably mounted between a keyboard and a flat panel display each being provided in a portable electronic device such as a notebook computer. The touch panel section is rotated toward the flat panel display or keyboard for selectively switching the involved input methods. That is, with the introduction of the rotatable touch panel section into the portable electronic device, it becomes possible to support three different input operations; an input operation by a fingertip (tablet function), a handwritten input operation (digitizer function) by a pen and a conventional input operation by the keyboard.

Abstract: A computer processor cartridge is connected to a socket on a motherboard. The cartridge has a detachable bracket that secures it to a retention mechanism mounted to the board. The bracket is formed from flexible plastic and has a handle with downward depending arms on each end. Each arm has a tooth on its outer surface. The retention mechanism has a base with a pair of upright support posts on its ends. Each post has a hole in its side for receiving the teeth on the bracket. The cartridge and bracket assembly is installed in the retention mechanism pushing down on the handle such that the lower end of the assembly seats between the support posts. When the teeth engage the holes in the support posts, the assembly is locked in place and the cartridge is connected to the socket. The assembly is disconnected by pulling up on the handle. The plastic bracket elastically flexes so that the arms pivot the teeth out of the holes.